Cantley Village Hall CIO's position on the recent proposal for additional housing in Cantley

Following the public consultation held by the Parish Council regarding the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan, Cantley Village Hall CIO release the following statement:

"The Trustees of Cantley Village Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) recognise the strength of local feeling regarding the recently publicised speculative housing proposal affecting land in Cantley.

"The Village Hall CIO is an independent charity whose sole purpose is to provide, manage and develop community facilities for the benefit of residents of Cantley and the surrounding area within a 6-mile radius. The Trustees do not have a role in determining planning applications and do not take a position for or against individual development proposals.

"We fully respect the role of the Cantley, Limpenhoe and Southwood Parish Council in leading the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan and acknowledge the importance of that process in reflecting the views and priorities of the local community. We have offered access to our files and information that has been built up over the last three years of completing funding applications.

"Our focus as a charity remains on delivering a new, modern village hall that meets current and future community needs, including space for community groups, social activities, and healthcare provision. Planning permission for the new hall has already been granted, and the project is being progressed subject to securing the necessary funding.

"Should any development take place in the parish in the future, the trustees believe it would be entirely appropriate for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to be considered for allocation towards facilities that serve the whole village, including the new village hall. This reflects the hall’s role as a long-term, inclusive community asset.

"The Village Hall CIO will continue to work constructively with the Parish Council and other stakeholders to ensure that the needs of the community are met, while remaining neutral and independent in relation to planning matters."

This position statement was discussed and agreed at the Cantley Village Hall CIO Trustee Board meeting on Monday, 2 February 2026.